Where is the hidden cave near the Riverside Teahouse in Baldur's Gate 3?

The hidden cave near the Riverside Teahouse in Baldur's Gate 3 is a secret location that requires careful exploration and problem-solving to access. This cave is not immediately obvious, and finding it involves interacting with the environment, solving a puzzle, and potentially dealing with enemies. Below is a detailed guide on how to locate and enter this hidden cave, along with tips and considerations to help you succeed.

To begin, the Riverside Teahouse is located in the southwestern part of the map, near the river. The teahouse itself is a key location tied to the story, but the hidden cave is not directly connected to the main quest. Instead, it is an optional area that rewards exploration. The cave is hidden behind a waterfall, which is a common trope in RPGs for concealing secret areas. To find the cave, you need to approach the waterfall near the teahouse and look for a way to interact with it.

The first step is to reach the waterfall. From the Riverside Teahouse, head south along the riverbank until you see the waterfall. The area around the waterfall is often patrolled by enemies, so be prepared for combat. If you encounter hostile creatures, use stealth or combat tactics to clear the area. Once the coast is clear, approach the waterfall. You will notice that the water is flowing over a rocky outcrop, and there is no obvious entrance. This is where the puzzle begins.

To reveal the hidden cave, you need to interact with the environment. Look for a lever or a mechanism near the waterfall. In some cases, the lever might be hidden behind rocks or foliage, so use your character's perception skill to spot it. If your character has a high perception score, they will automatically detect the lever. If not, you may need to manually search the area by moving your cursor around the waterfall until you find the interactable object. Once you locate the lever, pull it to open the hidden passage behind the waterfall.

After pulling the lever, the waterfall will part, revealing the entrance to the cave. Enter the cave carefully, as it may be inhabited by enemies or traps. Inside, you will find a variety of loot, including rare items, gold, and possibly a chest with unique equipment. The cave may also contain environmental storytelling elements, such as notes or journals that provide additional context about the world.

One important tip is to ensure your party is well-prepared before entering the cave. This includes having healing potions, scrolls, and spells ready in case of combat. If your party includes a rogue or a character with high dexterity, they can disarm traps and unlock chests more effectively. Additionally, having a character with high perception or investigation skills will make it easier to spot hidden objects and secrets within the cave.

A common mistake players make is rushing into the cave without checking for traps or enemies. Always take your time to scout the area and use stealth if possible. Another mistake is overlooking the lever or mechanism near the waterfall. If you don't find it immediately, don't give up. Search the area thoroughly, and consider using a character with high perception to assist.

For advanced players, you can optimize your exploration by using spells like "Detect Magic" or "Find Traps" to uncover hidden dangers or magical items. Additionally, if you have a character with the "Mage Hand" cantrip, you can use it to interact with the lever from a safe distance, avoiding potential traps or ambushes.

In terms of D&D rules, the mechanics of finding and entering the hidden cave are based on skill checks and environmental interaction. Perception checks are used to spot hidden objects, while investigation checks might be required to understand how to operate the lever. Combat encounters in the cave follow standard D&D 5E rules, so positioning, action economy, and resource management are key to success.

In summary, the hidden cave near the Riverside Teahouse is a rewarding secret location that requires careful exploration and problem-solving. By following the steps outlined above, you can successfully locate and enter the cave, uncovering its treasures and secrets. Remember to prepare your party, use your skills effectively, and take your time to avoid common mistakes. Happy exploring!